Where to go Crabbing in Virginia Beach
From the final weeks of spring to the first part of winter, there is an abundance of blue crab in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. From the Linkhorn Bay to Rudee Inlet, it is common to see people standing along the banks of the Bay with strings dangling the water. Even though this may seem to be a very outdated way to catch crab, it is very effective.
So, what are the best crabbing locations in Virginia? The following is a brief guide to some of the locations you will want to visit if you want to have a successful crabbing outing.
Here is a full list of piers and docks:
- Croaker Landing Pier
- Yorktown Fishing Pier
- James River Fishing Pier
- Elizabeth River Fishing Pier
- Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- Little Island Park
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
While the waters along the Virginia coastline has not seen large schools of fish in the past few years, it continues to be a great pier for crabbing. Blue crabs are generally plentiful from the first day, and are usually plentiful during the entire season.
The pier is open for crabbing every day from 8 am to 10 pm. However, after September, the hours are 8 am to 8 pm.
Now is a great time to get your crabbing gear on sale, and with 2-day shipping!
We Recommend Bass Pro Shops – Their Crabbing Gear Line is Great!
First Landing State Park
This is the park where the first colonists landed in 1607. Colonial settlers, Native American canoes and modern cargo ships have all made nautical trips through the waterways. These cypress swamps served as fresh water sources for hundreds of years, and it is also an ideal location for crabbing.
If you are quick with your net and scoop deep, you can get into position to get your catch. You will never know what you caught until the end of the line is in your view. Did you catch two crabs? Is there a Jimmy on the end?
However, if you catch a crab that has a spongy bottom, it is possible that it is a female that is about to lay eggs. Releasing her back into the water will help to increase the population. Also, remember that it is illegal to keep a crab that is less than five inches from one point to the next.
The Crabbing Industry
Crabbing is a huge industry in the Virginia Beach area. Commercial crabbers typically trap their catch in ‘pots’. Pots are simply large, wire cages. There are some commercial crabbers who set bait lines up and down the shore.
Crabs are dormant during the winter, but in late spring, crabbers begin baiting their pots with a Jimmy in order to lure female crabs (Sallies) into the pot.
Crabbing an ideal water activity for families. Spend a day or spend a weekend crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay.
See Also